Oct
My mother in law has breast cancer in her left breast and she’s a very well blessed lady when it comes to the boob department, however she’s scheduled to have her breast (left) removed this month, My question is I guess why can't they remove the both of them the right and the left, That way she would not feel so self conscious.
Answer:
Prophylactic mastectomy is a large decision, it's major surgery and usually only done when there’s a real risk of breast cancer returning.
Even with today's reconstructive surgery techniques and advanced prostheses, and even though most people can't really “tell” you've ever had a mastectomy, when they see you with your clothes on, you never really look “normal” to yourself again. You see all the scars, no matter what.
There are also risks for lymphedema that follow a woman for the rest of her life.
The most important thing you can do is offer your mother-in-law support, love and remind her that she’s beautiful no matter what.
Answer:
It's generally considered to be unethical for a surgeon to remove healthy tissue, but an exception can be made for 'prophylactic' mastectomies. The best course depends on what type of breast cancer she has - for some kinds, she has about a normal risk of future cancer in the other breast, for other kinds the danger is extremely elevated. This is information her physicians should have discussed with her - if they didn't, she should ask about it.
Answer:
Insurance should cover the implant. I used to work for a plastic surgeon and within a year your mother could have them both looking normal. You can't even tell which one was removed. Technology has really astounded me with the things they have the ability to do. If you're in the Dallas area, I can refer you to the Dr. I worked for.
EDIT: They won't remove both if it's not medically necessary because she would have to be under longer.
Answer:
I'm sure they could if that’s what she wants. They also have bras made to fit. Cushion on one side and the cup on the other so they’ll look normal. How they feel might be hard to get use to. God bless.
Answer:
They can & do. She should ask (or perhaps she does not want…)
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prophyl…
Answer:
They can. Whether they do depends on a lot of factors, not least of which is what your mother-in-law wants.